Whenever you start a new image, a vast expanse lies before you. It's only after making those first few marks that your vision and emotions begin to have something to latch on to. Your sketch is like the trellis that gives the vine a reason to climb. When you begin painting, each stroke is like the vine finding its way higher and higher. As your painting takes form, you push and pull value and adjust color till the vine becomes mature. The finishing touches are where the buds blossom and you realize there's a new feature in your garden that can inspire appreciation for beauty and truth.